Popsicle

This is an impressive three-layered popsicle. Make sure each layer is completely frozen before adding the next, as it looks great when the layers are really well defined.

You could spoon the first layer into the molds after the ice cream has churned. To finish, combine an additional 1 1/2 cups (350 ml) ice cream with the coffee essence and whiskey and fill the molds.

Use the whole mint sprigs, stalks included, for a good minty hit.

Amaretto makes this a grown-up treat. If you want the kids to enjoy these as well but don’t want to forgo the almond flavor, use a nonalcoholic Amaretto syrup such as Monin. Or omit the syrup. Just be sure to stick with thick Greek-style yogurt for an unbeatably luscious, creamy pop.

The yield for these ice pops depends on the size of your molds — you could use anything from paper cups to store-bought specialty molds.

Thai-flavored rice pudding is frozen into creamy ice pops. Dried apricots add subtle color and a satisfyingly chewy texture.

I heard of these paletas when I last visited Monterrey, but I never got to try them because for some absurd reason the ice cream shops are not open year-round. However, I thought they were an ingenious idea, so I immediately set about trying to create them. The paletas I heard about but never got to try had the caramel in the center—but recreating that effect was way too sticky and complicated to do at home. So I devised this simpler way to layer these two delicious flavors.

Raspados are sold by street hawkers, particularly in warm climates, where they are especially refreshing. The vendors pour colorful sweet syrups over shaved ice, and the flavors vary depending on which fruits grow locally (although some vendors use artificial flavors). This tangerine ice has a naturally refreshing fruitiness. You can substitute any other citrus, or combination of citrus, and can add up to 1 cup of sugar if the fruit is tart.

Who doesn’t love a margarita? Well, this is one way to get the flavor in a very refreshing ice that you can keep on hand in your freezer. You’ll be tempted to add more tequila, but try to refrain, because it won’t freeze.

The bright burgundy color of the hibiscus is only half the beauty of this delicious flower. It is one of the most common flavors for aguas frescas, and its acidity is fantastic in this yummy frozen treat.

My brother Pedro loves anything with mango and chile, and he’s not alone. It has become one of the most common combinations in sweets in Mexico; in fact, when you eat fresh mango, powdered chile of some kind is always on the table. I wanted to do something in this book just for him, but I am sure he won’t mind sharing (that’s the kind of guy he is). The chile powder you use is a matter of taste. It isn’t just about the heat; it’s also about the flavor. I particularly like the piquín chile from Oaxa ca, but feel free to substitute it for ground guajillo, chipotle, or your personal favorite.

This is a very simple frozen dessert with an intense pecan flavor. Many of the ice creams and pops in Mexico have a pleasant grainy texture, and in this case it is produced by puréeing only a portion of the steeped nuts, so be sure to use high-quality, fresh nuts.

Since most people don’t have a commercial Hawaiian shaved ice machine, this recipe has been adapted to make ice pops. Use molds or ice cube trays with standard wooden ice pop sticks, plastic spoons, swizzle sticks, or even chopsticks.

Rompope is a beverage brought to Mexico by nuns in Spanish colonial times. You can purchase it at some U.S. liquor stores, and more widely in Mexico, but making it is fun and you’ll surely enjoy the frozen version.

I had a recipe for pecan paletas in my first cookbook, My Sweet Mexico, but I’m including a different version here because this flavor is one of my favorites. These ice pops are a bit sweeter and creamier than the ones in My Sweet Mexico because they’re made with sweetened condensed milk and half-and-half. Both versions are really delicious, and I’m still debating which I like best. It’s hard to find pecan extract here, but if you come across some, I recommend adding 1 teaspoon along with the vanilla for an even deeper nutty flavor.